Applications Underway for 31st Leadership Northbrook Class

Applications for Leadership Northbrook, an eight-session program that offers a comprehensive, firsthand look at the inner workings of Northbrook, are now being accepted. The program features presentations from top level civic, business and government officials, along with private tours of some of the Village’s landmark businesses and community resources. Modeled after a program begun in Atlanta over 45 years ago, Leadership Northbrook’s goal is to deepen the understanding of the resources and challenges facing the Village of Northbrook and the North Shore region, while establishing networks among emerging leaders.

The half day sessions are scheduled on the second Friday of each month starting next month (September) and continuing through April. The class kicks off with a driving tour of important Northbrook landmarks and is held at a different location each month, including the Village Hall, Techny Towers, Glenbrook North High School, and Glenbrook Hospital. Tours of prominent businesses are also on the agenda, including UL, Bernhard Woodwork, Northbrook Court and Highland Baking.

Topics covered in the Leadership program include an understanding of Northbrook’s rich history, an overview of municipal government, planning and zoning issues, opportunities and challenges of the Northbrook business climate; transportation highlights, educational resources, and life safety services. One of the most popular sessions includes a teamwork exercise at the Park District’s Teams Challenge Course at Meadowhill Park, which involves fun exercises that help participants get to know each other as well as identify leadership traits.

The class offers an informative overview of Northbrook’s characteristics. “The Chamber’s Leadership program helped me understand how the population in Northbrook changes between day and night,” comments Bill Pekara, Northbrook Library. “It also gave me an opportunity to get out and see parts of Northbrook that I don’t see during a regular day at the Library. For example, I see many students using the Library to study for finals, so it was a treat to see Glenbrook North High School and learn how education is such a strong part of the community.”

Long time residents also appreciate the class as an opportunity to gain a better in-depth understanding of the community’s resources. “Although I have lived in Northbrook for almost 20 years, I did not have an understanding of all that our amazing Village has to offer,” comments Henry Fetta, Hunger Resource Network. “Leadership Northbrook opened my eyes to the vast array of programs, activities, infrastructure and resources that are available to all of us, young and old alike. It made me appreciate how hard our tax dollars are put to work. The bonus and even more enjoyable part of the program was to meet the passionate, highly-qualified professionals who make it all happen!”

Getting an insider’s view of some of the larger companies, and making valuable contacts are also benefits of Leadership. “It was fascinating to learn more about the history of Northbrook but I particularly liked touring some of the larger companies and public facilities. Watching the live warehouse fire test at UL and seeing the massive water treatment plant with its workers amongst massive machinery was very cool,” comments Paul Kaufmann, Shred Spot. “I also enjoyed meeting so many people from different parts of the Village. If I have questions regarding my business in Northbrook, I now have valuable contacts in the school districts, Fire Department, Police and Public Works.”

Leadership is open to anyone, whether a long-time Chamber member or a new employee at a business or an area resident. Northbrook residency is not required. To register, please refer to the enclosed flyer, or call the Chamber office at (847)498-5555. A limited number of scholarships are available for not-for-profit organizations. Spaces fill up quickly every year.